“SADA” Condemns the Restraint of a Journalist in Marib and Demands Accountability for Those Involved
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The National Organization of Yemeni Journalists, “Sada,” has condemned the violations committed against journalist Abdulrahman Al-Humaidi by security forces in Marib Governorate.
These violations included arbitrary detention and the imposition of measures that represent a blatant infringement on his right to practice his profession, in addition to depriving the public of access to information.
The organization expressed deep concern over what Al-Humaidi was subjected to on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, 2025.
The journalist was detained for nearly nine hours by the Third Security Zone and was forced during that time to delete a Facebook post.
The post contained documented information about an armed assault on a citizen, in which Al-Humaidi called for justice for the victim.
Despite being released under a personal guarantee, Al-Humaidi was summoned again by the Marib Security Administration, where he found himself in a broad security meeting that resembled an interrogation.
During the meeting, he was forced under threat to sign a pledge requiring him “not to publish any case or incident in Marib Governorate without first consulting security authorities and relevant institutions.”
The organization deemed this pledge illegal and stated that it was documented with the signatures of two individuals as guarantors in case of violation.
Sada stressed that the duty of security authorities is to uphold the law, not to abuse it.
It also pointed out that what happened to journalist Al-Humaidi constitutes a breach of legal procedures and a violation of Article 47 of the Yemeni Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, as well as Law No. 25 of 1990 concerning Press and Publications.
The organization clarified that Al-Humaidi’s post fell within the scope of professional journalism and did not contain any legal violations. Rather, it reflected a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism in conveying information and defending victims’ rights.
It further stated that the detention, coercion, and forced pledge imposed on the journalist under threat constitute violations of journalists’ rights, infringements on freedom of expression and publishing, and pose a threat to a safe journalistic environment in Marib.
The organization warned that press freedom in Yemen had reached a critical level in May due to the rise in such practices.
Sada called on Presidential Leadership Council member and Marib Governor Sheikh Sultan Al-Aradah to urgently intervene, initiate an independent and transparent investigation into the incident, and hold those responsible accountable.
It also urged Marib’s security leadership to renew its commitment to protecting press freedoms and avoid engaging in censorship and the suppression of liberties.
The organization emphasized the need to revoke the coercive pledge imposed on journalist Al-Humaidi, restore his dignity, issue an official apology, and prosecute everyone involved in the violations.
Sada affirmed that Al-Humaidi retains his full legal right to resort to the judiciary and announced its readiness to provide him with legal support.
Finally, the organization held the security forces and local authorities responsible for the safety of its team, journalist Al-Humaidi, and all journalists in Marib, rejecting any attempts to restrict journalistic freedom under the guise of security concerns.
